TDP sniffs chance for third front

As the UPA gears up for a turbulent Budget session, a realignment of political forces - mainly comprising the anti-Congress and anti-BJP opposition parties - is expected to take place, paving the way for a possible third front.

Leading from the front is N. Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, which has found the SP's victory in UP an excellent opportunity to galvanise the anti-Congress and anti-BJP forces.

At the same time, Jaganmohan Reddy's YSR Congress is set to play a major role in the formation of a third alternative political force. Jagan is said to have the backing of UP's next CM Akhilesh Yadav and the blessings of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who is also waiting for an opportunity to desert the Congress.

TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu (left) is paving the way for a coalition of non-BJP and non-Congress parties, but has a contender in Jagan Reddy

On Sunday, TDP's parliamentary party leader, Nama Rao, was confident about achieving coordination among the likeminded parties.

'This will be the first step in our efforts to consolidate the third front by the 2014 elections,' he said.

He hinted at the possibility of some UPA partners disassociating from it by 2014 and joining hands with the third front. The TDP is hoping to cash in on the disenchantment among UPA allies such as the Trinamool Congress and DMK, which have already hinted at mid-term elections.

'There will be clarity on the third front by the time of the presidential election,' a TDP leader said.

Naidu himself is upbeat. 'The recent polls have shown the days of the Congress are numbered and the BJP is in no better position. It is a good opportunity for regional parties to tie up and protect the federal spirit,' he told the media.

The Left parties have begun lobbying with the TDP chief. Sometime ago, CPI leader A.B. Bardhan had a discussion with Naidu to push for an alternative to the 'decadent' Congress and the 'communal' BJP.

Naidu, however, has a strong competitor in Jaganmohan.

'The third front is not possible without the YSR Congress. The TDP will be wiped out in the next elections,' YSR Congress's spokesman said.

If Jagan takes centrestage in the third front politics, then Naidu will have to be kept out. And if the majority parties such as SP, AIADMK and the Left prefer the TDP, then Jagan will have to step out. It all depends on the YSR Congress and TDP's performance in the ongoing byelection and the 2014 election.

Wary of an alliance by regional parties, the NDA has decided to include other parties. On Sunday, it brought the Janta Party within its fold.